Police have previously warned people about the scams in the Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Surrey where criminals would phone mainly elderly and vulnerable people and then ask for information they could use to gain valuable items and money.

Officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit raided the addresses and arrested four 18-year-old men and two 19-year-old men on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

Money and high value items, such as designer clothes and electrical goods, were seized during the raids.

Detective inspector Danny Lawrence, who led the operation, said: “The warrants carried out this morning further show how hard we are working to make the region a hostile place for anyone involved in phone scams and organised crime.

“I would like to remind the public that, whilst arrests are continuing to be made, people need to be aware that phone scams are still operating across the region. It tends to be the elderly and vulnerable who are targeted by the offenders so please share the following advice with neighbours and relatives.

“If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101. Remember to use a mobile phone or a friend’s phone or wait at least five minutes before calling to ensure you aren’t reconnected to the offender.”